Stroger's brother-in-law resigns from county health post

The brother-in-law of former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has resigned from his $195,906-a-year post as chief operating officer at the county's Department of Public Health.

Stephen Martin's resignation is effective Sept. 23, according to Amy Poore, a public health spokeswoman.

Martin was hired by the late County Board President John Stroger. Martin and Todd Stroger -- John Stroger's son -- are married to sisters. State campaign finance records list Martin as giving $2,275 to Stroger-controlled political funds since 2002.

Martin started with the department in December 2002 as an epidemiologist, Poore said. Martin holds a master's of public health in epidemiology from Tulane University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan in epidemiologic science, Poore said.

Martin is leaving to take a job at the American Hospital Association, according to Jessey Neves, a spokeswoman for County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who succeeded Todd Stroger last year.

Martin was unavailable for comment Wednesday, Poore said.

An interim chief operating officer has not yet been named, Poore said, but the search and selection will be made by the Cook County Health and Hospital System.